University Outreach

Leaders in Education Awareness Program (LEAP)

LEAP Overview

The Leaders in Education Awareness Program (LEAP) was designed and launched in 2006 to address the interest in exposing K-8th grade students in Ventura County to the college exploration process. Each semester, CI student volunteers are selected to participate in this rewarding and prestigious community outreach experience. LEAP student volunteers are known for their commitment to community service, love for children and especially for their enthusiasm and dedication to CI. Some LEAP volunteers are the first in their families to attend college, many acquired leadership experience at CI prior to joining LEAP, and all students have a 2.8 GPA or higher. LEAP volunteers’ primary responsibility is to facilitate three Pathway to College Campus Visit programs per month and attend one monthly training. Training is conducted by University Outreach staff and is centered on three critical areas of knowledge: social justice in education, communication and public speaking and leadership. Guest speakers including staff, administrators and faculty are invited to present at each training as well. Additionally, each semester LEAP students assist with two to three University Outreach signature events and CI campus-wide events.

Mission of the Leaders in Education Awareness Program:

To educate CI students about social justice in education, focusing on issues relevant to Ventura County
To teach CI students how to effectively communicate the public and private benefits of higher education to K-8th grade students
To train CI students on how to deliver an effective presentation geared toward K-8th grade students
To become a student leader on the CI campus and a role model for the community

LEAP Application Overview

Because University Outreach staff aims to provide the best possible outreach services to the surrounding community, we are committed to selecting students who have the same ambition. We encourage CI students from all majors to apply as we look to create a diverse team.

Photo of LEAP students jumping.

LEAP Qualifications:

Full-time undergraduate student
Minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA
In good standing with CI (e.g., not on disciplinary probation)

LEAP Commitments:

To serve one academic semester working with children and in doing so serving the local community
Serving three Fridays per month assisting with the Pathway to College Campus Visit program
Attend one training and social activity per month (held on the same day)
Assist in Pathway to College Campus Visit preparation by volunteering two hours per semester

LEAP Application Process:

Due to the overwhelming interest in LEAP for the Fall 2010 semester and increased demand for Pathway to College Campus Visit programs, our application process for LEAP has changed. Eighteen students were selected to participate in LEAP for Fall 2010, and due to the increase in the size of our team we are now able to conduct two Pathway to College Campus Visits each Friday, meaning more K-8th grade students will be exposed to the college exploration process. Congratulations to the Fall 2010 LEAP team!

To apply for LEAP for the Spring 2011 semester, please adhere to the following application process:

Wednesday, October 27, 2010: Spring 2011 LEAP Applications and Faculty/Staff Recommendation form available online

Spring 2011 LEAP Application (PDF, 187KB)
Faculty/Staff Recommendation form (PDF, 82KB)

Friday, November 12, 2010: LEAP Applications and Faculty/Staff Recommendation due by 5:00 p.m. to Vanessa Mendoza, University Outreach counselor. Hard copies only.
Monday, November 29 – Friday, December 3, 2010: Interviews conducted
Wednesday, December 8, 2010: Notifications submitted via email
Friday, December 10, 2010: Acceptance of LEAP volunteer role due

LEAP 2009-2010 Awards & Recognition

Service Symposium Poster Session for Leaders in Education Awareness Program, February 2010
El Concilio del Condado de Ventura County, March 2010
Call to Service, the Gamma Beta Phi Honor & Service Society, March 2010
Student Leadership Awards, “Outstanding Group of the Year,” April 2010

Photo of LEAP students at the Service Symposium Poster Session.